ATTENTION ALL PROS need opinions

[onawrxhigh]

I recently got a Makita 9227c rotary. I used it for the first time yesterday on my 2002 impreza wrx. I only used it on the hood, roof, and trunk lid. My speed was a modest 1200 rpm(give or take) as I did not want to burn my paint since this was my first time using it. The products that I used were DACP with a 8006 polishing pad and Speed Glaze also on a 8006 polishing pad. I followed this with the PC and Speed Glaze set to 4.5 on the entire car. My main question is how would you pro's tackle the side body panels? I am asking this question because the wrx has many changes and transitions on the side panels. For example all four fenders are flared about 2 to 3 inches, there are folds and creases on the doors and remaining body lines. For these reasons how would you suggest I tackle these areas with the rotary? Should I continue to only use the PC till I am more proficient with rotary? My main fear is with all these changes in the body lines that the rotaries pad would come in direct contact with an area that i am not working and burn the paint. Should I tape these areas to help prevent this from happening. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. I will post pictures so everyone can see the areas that I am speaking of.

Thanks again

Here are the pics

Here you can see the indented crease and some of the rear fender flare.

This is a better look at the crease

Here is a pic of the entire car. You can see the hood lines,front and rear flare and door creases.


Onces again thanks for any help you can provide me.

Andrew M. Parshall

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Andrew,

When it comes to using the rotary buffer on the side panels of your car, do your best to always hold the pad flat against the paint unless the shape or size of the panel necessitates that you only use a portion of the pad or tilt the pad on edge.

As for body lines or edges, you can either buff up to these areas, but not buff on them, or for an extra level of safety, you can tape these areas off with some painters tape.





You can get this in very thin sizes which works great for edges. When I buff out customers cars I almost always tape off body seams, high points, and edges because I have no idea who has gone before me and what they have used to buff on the paint.

Another thing to remember when buffing out the side panels of your car is safety and ergonomics. Don't' bend-over at the waist and strain your lower back when buffing out low panels. Either sit yourself down on the ground like Bob here is doing when he's polishing out the rear bumper of his Mini Cooper,



Or use a roll around stool that is low to the ground.

Mike

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

I agree totally with Mike! I always tape off the seams, ridges and any sharp edges, as this is where the paint is usually the thinnest. For the side panels, I try to keep myself somewhat level with the buffer (Ie. I too sit on a stool). Keep the pad flat against the paint. If you tilt the pad slightly, the buffer will start to hop and pull you around all over the place. Also, try and keep your body "square" to the buffer. Do not over extend your arms.

It takes practice to do the sides of a car with a rotary. But in time, you will get the hang of it!

Tim